Preparing for College After Nativ

It is highly recommended that Nativers determine their post-Nativ plans for college before they leave for the year in Israel. Applying to college from Israel can be a very difficult and stressful process.

Applicants are encouraged to check with colleges and universities to find out their policies on deferral and the process for requesting it. Most schools will grant a deferral. Applicants should wait until they have been accepted to a school before requesting a deferral.

Requesting a deferral prematurely may decrease the chance of acceptance. Upon receiving acceptance(s), applicants should immediately begin the school’s deferral request process. This process usually involves providing a description of Nativ, a Nativ brochure, and a letter stating what the student will gain from the program. Applicants should inform their colleges that they will be attending either Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ulpan or the Conservative Yeshiva. It is imperative that applicants keep copies of everything sent to schools about Nativ and have copies in writing of any agreements reached regarding credits or admittance.

Some schools will not grant a deferral to students who plan to study elsewhere for credit. If students wait until the end of sophomore year, however, they can often apply to the applicable departments for Nativ credit, which is then frequently granted.

For Nativers pursuing the Hebrew University option, another possibility is to apply to schools from Hebrew University as a transfer student. If possible, Nativers should bring applications with them to Israel rather than sending a letter requesting applications be sent to Israel later in the year.

Applicants with any specific question about this process should contact the Nativ office.

For early decision applicants (different from early action), applying early to a school means that if accepted, the applicant will not go to any other school. For this reason, early decision applicants must obtain the express written permission of the school to attend classes at Hebrew University, Ulpan, or the Conservative Yeshiva. This measure is for the applicant’s own protection: violating this rule without the school’s permission could result in the student not being permitted to attend that school. The deferral process should otherwise be the same as described above.